Hilo gun incidents 06-25-12

Media Release

Big Island police are investigating two separate incidents that occurred over the weekend in Hilo reportedly involving a firearm.

On Saturday morning (June 23) shortly after 4:30 am, police responded to a fast food restaurant on Puainakō Street to a reported attempted robbery. During the incident, a lone male reportedly approached a 33-year-old Pāhoa woman in her vehicle at the drive-through window, brandished a firearm and threatened her.

The same suspect allegedly approached the employee, a 20-year-old Hilo woman, at the drive-through window, brandished a firearm, threatened her and demanded money. He fled the area without receiving any money.

The suspect was described as possibly a local male with a fair complexion in dark clothing who was concealing his face with what appeared to be a mask.

Neither victim sustained any injuries as a result of the incidents, which are classified as an attempted first-degree robbery and two counts of first-degree terroristic threatening.

Detectives from the Area I Criminal Investigation Section are continuing the investigation and are reviewing video surveillance footage at the scene and surrounding businesses.

On Sunday morning (June 24) at about 3 a.m., police responded to a burglary report at a home on upper Kukuau Street. A 55-year-old Hilo man who was parking in his carport was reportedly accosted by a lone male who brandished a firearm and threatened him. When the victim’s 54-year-old wife entered the carport after hearing the commotion, she was also threatened with the firearm.

The suspect fled the area on foot toward Kukuau Street. He was described as possibly a young local male with a slim build and a fair complexion. He also was wearing dark clothing and what appeared to be a mask to conceal his identity.

Neither victim sustained any injuries during this incident.

Detectives are continuing the investigation, which is classified as a first-degree burglary, first degree attempted robbery, and two counts of first-degree terroristic threatening.

Police ask that anyone who may have witnessed either incident or who may have information about the identity of the responsible vehicle or person call Detective Norbert Serrao Jr. at 961-2383 or email him at nserrao@co.hawaii.hi.us.

Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo or 329-8181 in Kona and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. Crime Stoppers is a volunteer program run by ordinary citizens who want to keep their community safe. Crime Stoppers doesn’t record calls or subscribe to caller ID. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.